the eu has been critical of new gas pipelines from russia. the south stream pipeline is meant to carry russian gas through bulgaria to austria and italy, but the u.s. and russia are arguing over the rules to be applied to the new pipeline. >> it is true that some difference remained regarding some aspects of energy relations between europe and russia. >> european demands for russia to separate gas companies and distribution channels have so far had no effect. and the russian leader was not prepared to take the criticism lying down. >> my good friend explained his position at such great length and with such a motion because he has a feeling he is in the wrong. >> the ongoing disputes about energy and trade are taking their toll on the you-russian relations. >> italy's prime minister has resigned. this move paves the way for elections to be held as early as february. mario monti has promised to hand in his resignation -- or had promised to hand in his resignation as soon as parliament passed a 2013 budget, which he led his -- kept his promise.